Jonathan Isaac of the Orlando Magic stood alone for the national anthem. Not only did he stand alone, he was the only player not sporting a Black Lives Matter shirt. He was the only player on that court who acted courageously. I’m not saying other players are not genuine in their feelings. But they are following what is trendy and I’d bet there are some who, if they were honest, do not want to kneel but lack the courage to stand.
We’ve said people should be able to exercise their right to kneel during the National Anthem and we should listen & hear their reasons why. When Jonathan Isaac chooses to stand we should do the same. He explained his reasons very clearly-he wants to stand in prayer. I say Amen!🙏🏽 https://t.co/lu0JZR0SYh
— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) July 31, 2020
Why did Isaac stand?
He explained his position on Friday ahead of the game versus the Brooklyn Nets, saying that he doesn’t think “putting that shirt on and kneeling went hand-in-hand with supporting Black lives.”
“For me Black lives are supported through the gospel. All lives are supported through the gospel,” he said. “We all have things that we do wrong and sometimes it gets to a place that we’re pointing fingers at who’s wrong is worst. Or who’s wrong is seen, so I feel like the Bible tells us that we all fall short of God’s glory. That will help bring us closer together and get past skin color. And get past anything that’s on the surface and doesn’t really get into the hearts or [of] men and women.”
Isaac, only 22, has wisdom beyond his years! He is a genuine role model, unlike LeBron James.
Jonathan Isaac is an ordained minister, someone who gave money to make sure kids got fed when COVID closed schools, led a drive to support Hurricane Dorian victims and donates to Central Florida literacy programs.
And as he stood during the anthem today, he prayed.
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) July 31, 2020
Here is a clip of the press conference after the game. Isaac had to handle dumba$$ questions like this: ”So, you didn’t kneel during the anthem but you also didn’t wear a Black Lives Matter shirt. Do you believe black lives matter?”
Is she freaking kidding? She is asking a black man if he thinks black lives matter. What an ignorant question. She was doing it for his own good though, she claims.
the thing you aren't understanding is that the question was asked FOR him to clarify. since he refused to wear the message the general opinion was that he didn't support the message. I gave him the chance to say he did.
— Taylor Rooks (@TaylorRooks) August 1, 2020
Isaac, while drawing praise for his decision from some, is drawing derision from others.
I’m very curious about — and will be patient for — Jonathan Isaac’s explanation here.
Standing for the anthem is one thing…
But seeming to be intentional about *not* wearing a Black Lives Matter shirt…. I dunno, man… pic.twitter.com/CFBJ98tOKG
— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) July 31, 2020
I don’t understand what he’s saying. He said he doesn’t understand the point of a tshirt, which I can understand. But NOT wearing a tshirt does more harm than wearing it. So you’re purposefully doing harm to the movement. Why? And wtf does “the gospel” mean when there’s racism
— Papi Petty aka Him Carrey aka Himmy Butler (@papi_petty) July 31, 2020
https://twitter.com/lesshumbleteej/status/1289322728810373120?s=21
What the fuck is Jonathan Isaac doing?
— Guts N’ Graphs (@GutsAndGraphs) July 31, 2020